Now is the time to get a red solo cup in your hand. On the occasion of the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards, Jason Aldean will pay tribute to the late Toby Keith. ACM Awards will be held on Thursday at the Ford Centre at The Star in Frisco, Texas, which is located just north of Dallas. Reba McEntire will serve as the host for the 59th annual awards ceremony.
Over the course of his career, Keith was honored with fourteen Academy of Country Music Awards, including two victories for the award of Entertainer of the Year. Having been diagnosed with stomach cancer, he passed away in February at the age of 62.
“I’ve been a fan of his since the beginning, and his songs are some of the first songs I played back in clubs early in my career, including the one I’ll be performing on the show,” Aldean said in a statement. “I feel like I’ve been a fan of him ever since I started playing music.” The fact that I was able to honor Toby and appropriately recognize his legendary career and legacy is very meaningful to me. I had the good fortune to perform beside him in Oklahoma the previous year. “He was a one-of-a-kind individual.”
In a statement, the CEO of the American Country Music Association, Damon Whiteside, stated that it made perfect sense to honor Keith with Aldean, who was the most recent recipient of the Artist of the Decade award.
“The popularity, influence, and love for Toby Keith is infinite since his passing earlier this year,” Whiteside said, adding that the academy was looking forward to hosting Keith’s family despite the fact that Keith had passed away earlier this year.
Eight nominations put Luke Combs in the lead for the 2024 awards. Both male artist of the year and entertainer of the year are on the ballot for him for the fifth year in a row.
The next three competitors are Megan Moroney and Morgan Wallen, who each have six, and Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Lainey Wilson, who are tied for fifth place with five.
All of the following artists will be performing during the telecast: Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, Post Malone, Parker McCollum, McEntire, Wilson, and Stapleton. A number of intriguing collaborations are also on the horizon, including those with Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, and Nate Smith and Avril Lavigne.
Little Big Town, Randy Travis, Alabama, and Carin León are some of the artists who will be presenting.
Both Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch Live will be streaming the awards at eight o’clock in the evening Eastern time. The feed by the red carpet will start at seven o’clock.
The 2024 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, an event eagerly anticipated by fans and artists alike. This year’s ceremony was notable not only for its celebration of contemporary achievements in country music but also for its heartfelt tributes to legendary figures who have shaped the genre. One of the most poignant moments of the evening was Jason Aldean’s tribute to Toby Keith, a performance that left the audience in awe and underscored the deep respect and admiration Keith commands in the industry.
Toby Keith, born July 8, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma, has been a towering presence in country music for over three decades. Known for his distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence, and knack for storytelling, Keith has released numerous chart-topping hits that have become anthems for country music fans. Songs like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” have cemented his status as one of the genre’s most influential and beloved artists.
Keith’s career has been marked by his ability to connect with audiences through songs that blend humor, patriotism, and heartfelt emotion. His contributions to country music have earned him numerous accolades, including several ACM Awards, Grammy nominations, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Beyond his musical achievements, Keith is also known for his philanthropy, particularly his efforts to support military personnel and their families.
In the weeks leading up to the ACM Awards, the announcement that Toby Keith would be receiving a special tribute generated significant excitement. Fans and fellow artists alike eagerly anticipated the moment, recognizing the profound impact Keith has had on country music. The honor was to be presented by Jason Aldean, a superstar in his own right, who has often cited Keith as one of his primary influences.
Jason Aldean, born Jason Aldine Williams on February 28, 1977, in Macon, Georgia, has carved out his own remarkable career in country music. With hits like “Dirt Road Anthem,” “My Kinda Party,” and “Big Green Tractor,” Aldean has established himself as a leading voice in modern country music. Known for his energetic performances and ability to blend traditional country with rock influences, Aldean’s style is a testament to the genre’s evolving sound.
Aldean’s connection to Toby Keith runs deep. He has often spoken about how Keith’s music and career have inspired him. For Aldean, the opportunity to honor Keith at the ACM Awards was not just a professional highlight but also a deeply personal moment.
As the lights dimmed and the audience settled into their seats, the anticipation was palpable. Aldean took the stage with a simple introduction, expressing his gratitude and admiration for Keith. He spoke about Keith’s influence on his own career and the careers of countless other artists, highlighting Keith’s unique ability to tell stories that resonate with fans across generations.
The performance began with a medley of some of Keith’s most iconic songs. Aldean’s rendition of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” immediately brought the audience to their feet, singing along to the familiar lyrics. The song, which was Keith’s debut single in 1993, has become a timeless classic and is often regarded as one of the greatest country songs of all time.
Next, Aldean performed “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” a song that showcases Keith’s knack for blending humor with a rebellious spirit. The audience roared with approval, many reminiscing about the first time they heard the song and how it resonated with their own experiences.
The emotional climax of the tribute came with Aldean’s performance of “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” The song, written in the wake of the September 11 attacks, has become an anthem of American patriotism. Aldean’s powerful delivery, combined with images of Keith’s past performances and his work with the military, brought many in the audience to tears.
As Aldean finished his performance, the audience erupted in applause. Toby Keith, seated in the front row, was visibly moved. He took the stage to a standing ovation, embracing Aldean and taking a moment to compose himself before addressing the audience.
Keith’s speech was a heartfelt expression of gratitude. He spoke about his journey in the music industry, reflecting on the highs and lows of his career. He thanked his fans for their unwavering support and acknowledged the contributions of his fellow artists, including Aldean, who have continued to push the boundaries of country music.
Keith also took a moment to highlight the importance of supporting new and emerging artists. He encouraged the industry to continue nurturing young talent, emphasizing that the future of country music depends on its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Toby Keith’s legacy in country music is undeniable. Over the course of his career, he has released 19 studio albums, two Christmas albums, and five compilation albums, selling over 40 million albums worldwide. His songwriting has earned him acclaim not just for his commercial success but also for his ability to capture the essence of American life and values.
Keith’s influence extends beyond his music. He is known for his entrepreneurial spirit, having launched his own record label, Show Dog Nashville, in 2005. This move allowed him greater creative control over his music and provided a platform for other artists to thrive.
His philanthropic efforts are equally impressive. The Toby Keith Foundation, established in 2006, provides support for children with cancer and their families. The foundation’s OK Kids Korral, a cost-free, comfortable home for pediatric cancer patients and their families receiving treatment in Oklahoma City, is a testament to Keith’s commitment to giving back.
Jason Aldean’s tribute to Toby Keith at the 2024 ACM Awards was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of Keith’s enduring impact on country music and a reminder of the power of music to bring people together. The tribute highlighted the deep respect and admiration that Keith commands within the industry and underscored the importance of honoring those who have paved the way for future generations.
For Aldean, the tribute was a chance to publicly acknowledge the influence Keith has had on his own career and to express his gratitude for the path Keith has helped to forge. For Keith, the tribute was a moment of recognition and appreciation for his contributions to country music and his ongoing efforts to support others in the industry.
The 2024 ACM Awards will be remembered not just for the awards and performances but for the moments of genuine emotion and connection that punctuated the evening. Jason Aldean’s tribute to Toby Keith was a highlight of the night, a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of one of country music’s greatest artists.
As the night came to a close, fans and artists alike left the MGM Grand Garden Arena with a renewed appreciation for the power of music to tell stories, evoke emotions, and bring people together. Toby Keith’s influence on country music is profound and far-reaching, and the tribute by Jason Aldean served as a fitting celebration of his remarkable career.
